Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> January 11, 1999
JAMES W. BENSON a native of Kansas City, is the Chairman and CEO of
SpaceDev, Inc., a public corporation (OTCBB: SPDV) engaged in the
commercialization of space. SpaceDev's consists of two subsidiaries and
two divisions. It is Mr. Benson's intention to open space by growing a
horizontally and vertically integrated company providing a variety of
space-related products, services and missions. After obtaining his
Bachelor of Science degree in geology, Mr. Benson joined the National
Science Foundation and later transferred to the U.S. Energy Research and
Development Administration as a Branch Chief for Environmental and
Resource Assessments. Mr. Benson represented the United States at
conferences in Italy, Sweden and Mali. Mr. Benson left the government to
perform projects for the Council on Economic Priorities and the Public
Concern Foundation in New York. Between 1984 and 1995 Mr. Benson created
and grew profitable computer-related companies in McLean, Virginia. In
1995, Mr. Benson sold his computer companies and moved to Steamboat
Springs, Colorado. Seeking a new personal challenge, he turned to his
life long interests in science, technology and astronomy, which led to
his comprehensive analysis of space commercialization possibilities. Mr.
Benson developed a business plan for the world's first commercial space
exploration and development company, and in January 1997, while working
with three universities on the NEAP preliminary mission and spacecraft
design, he founded SpaceDev. In October 1997, SpaceDev
(www.spacedev.com) became a public company. In February of 1998 SpaceDev
completed its first acquisition, Integrated Space Systems
(www.spaceinc.com) in San Diego, an aerospace engineering services firm.
In August of 1998 SpaceDev acquired patents, studies, reports and
designs for hybrid rocket motors and launch vehicles produced by the
former American Rocket Company. In October of 1998, SpaceDev acquired
Space Innovations Limited (www.sit.com) of Newbury, England, a company
which designs and builds satellite ground stations, micro-satellites and
spacecraft subsystems. The SpaceDev Board of Directors includes Dr. Alan
binder, the Principal Investigator of the currently flying and highly
successful Lunar Prospector mission. Mr. Benson is the private sector
representative on NASA's national Space Grant Review Board, is a Member
of the Board of Directors of the National Space Society, and is a
consultant for the European Space Agency (ESA). He is also a member of
the American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE) subcommittee on NEO
(Near Earth Object) Impact Prevention and Mitigation. Mr. Benson lives
in the San Diego area with his wife of 36 years. Profile
activities and your outlook for the future? What is SpaceDev all about?
Mr. Benson: SpaceDev is intended to be the
